March 20, 2024

College for Education and Engaged Learning Hosts an Evening of Gratitude

Posted in: College News and Events, Homepage News and Events

Audience at CEEL Gratitude Dinner — Educators, community partners join together to celebrate teacher education.

The College for Education and Engaged Learning hosted a Gratitude Dinner on February 23 in celebration of and appreciation for the partners and community members who support Montclair State University students, our educational program and the communities we serve.

In his remarks, President Jonathan Koppell noted the University’s longstanding commitment to meeting the educational needs of New Jersey, going back to Montclair’s roots 115 years ago as a normal school for training teachers. This year, in creating the College for Education and Engaged Learning, Montclair began the next chapter in its rich history of preparing aspiring teachers, administrators and other education professionals for success.

The Agenda for Education in a Democracy honored Dirk Phillips, Ed.D., Superintendent of Glen Ridge Public Schools, for his commitment to children and advocacy for social justice and equity in public schools. Lillie Edwards, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Drew University, was recognized for her advocacy and teacher professional development contributions towards Amistad curriculum integration in New Jersey public schools (no picture) and, Fernando Naiditch, Ph.D., Associate Professor Department of Teaching and Learning, was recognized for his broad and deep commitment to Bilingual Education, stewardship of the profession, and Leadership Associates, an annual professional development opportunity for all Montclair State University faculty, staff, and doctoral students, to engage in promoting equity and social justice in New Jersey Public Schools.

Photo Gallery

Photo of Marilyn Davis — Marilyn Davis, Director of the Montclair State University Network for Educational Renewal (MSUNER), a school-university partnership, welcomes guests to the “Evening of Gratitude,” celebration.

Photo of Marilyn Davis and Fernando Naiditch — Fernando Naiditch, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning

Photo of Dirk Phillips and Marilyn Davis — Dirk Phillips, Ed.D., Superintendent of Glen Ridge Board of Education receives an award from Marilyn Davis for his deep commitment to children and stewardship and advocacy for social justice and equity in Glen Ridge public schools.

Image of President Koppell — Montclair State University’s President Jonathan Koppell expresses gratitude for the support of community members who provide Montclair students with valuable hands-on experience.

Photo of Patricia Virella — Patricia Virella, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, shared findings from her scholarly research, “Leading with Hope in Times of Uncertainty.”.

Speaker at CEEL Gratitude Dinner — Guest Keynote Speaker: Petal Robertson, Montclair Public Schools, Teacher and NJEA Secretary/Treasurer, opened the Gratitude celebration emphasizing the importance of intercommunity collaboration among educators.

Photo of Robbie singing — Robert Cece Jr., affectionately known as Robbie, a former student of Montclair’s Ben Samuel’s Student Center, performs for the dinner audience in gratitude for the opportunities he has received.

Interim Dean Vinny Alfonso with Yadira Trimino and Yanira Amadeo — Posing on the event’s “red carpet,” are from left, Yadira Trimino, Executive Director of Kids World Inc. and member of CEEL Advisory Board; Inaugural Interim Dean Vincent Alfonso, College for Education and Engaged Learning; and Yanira Amadeo, Director of Development, University Development.

Photos by John J. LaRosa